Volume 1, Number 1
Jan 1988

Alkaline and Neutral Copy Paper

by E. McCrady

The list below is probably not complete, since not all companies
making alkaline paper have been contacted yet for the specific brand
names of their alkaline papers. It probably contains some errors
too, which will be corrected in a future update. It is published
here in less than perfect form because the need for the information
is so great. Archival paper is needed every day for copying Ph.D.
dissertation, archival documents, and research materials, to name
just a few important uses, but the average consumer never seems to
know more than two or three available brands, and most people have
no idea where to get it.

The list has to be used in conjunction with the Yellow Pages for
the nearest sizable city. From three to 30 or more companies will
be listed under "Paper Distributors. The caller should ask the
sales rep at each company which of these manufacturers they handle,
because not all distributors carry all papers. In fact, none of
them can afford to. And even if they handle a given manufacturer's
papers, they may not have the desired brand in stock. Furthermore,
even if they have it in stock, there is a chance it might not be
alkaline. The wise purchaser will test the pH with chlorophenol red
before writing out a check. The stock may be old, from the days
before the mill converted to alkaline paper ; or the sheet may be
manufactured one year alkaline, the next year acidic; or another
company could have bought the mill " changed its policies; or--who
knows? Better safe than sorry.

(If this method of finding the papers is too frustrating or
cumbersome, the Editor can give some help over the phone, or in case
of dire need can even compile a table showing who carries what in a
given city. But custom compilations will not be done
routinely.)

There may be another obstacle to purchase of alkaline paper: the
minimum purchase. The paper distribution system in this country is
not set up to serve the small customer. Individuals may have to
place group orders through an organization, or talk an institution
into using all alkaline papers in their copy centers, and selling
small amounts at the counter.

Only xerographic (dry copy) papers are included in this list, but
alkaline papers for other copy processes are available. A list can
be compiled if there is enough demand.

The Alkaline Paper Advocate, which begins
publication with this issue, will be issued as often as necessary to
get the news out. This is estimated to be four or five times during
1988. Subscriptions are an a calendar year basis: all start with
the first issue of the year (unless requested otherwise) and end on
December 31. Individual subscriptions, and uncomplicated
subscriptions from institutions, are $25; others are $40. Overseas
subscribers may pay either in dollars or in pounds sterling. Make
checks out to Abbey Publications, 320 E. Center St., Provo, UT
84601.

No paid advertisements are accepted, but anything with news value
will be printed if there is room for it. Readers are encouraged to
copy and circulate issues and parts of issues, and to reprint
unsigned articles and news item in other publications. Permission
must be obtained from the Editor before reprinting signed articles,
however.